Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Require teacher training to identify possible "visual stress" in pupils

Closed 65 signatures

What the petition asks

Teachers should receive training to identify the signs of visual stress or Meares-Irlen Syndrome. This will allow them to raise awareness about it to parents/carers so that they can attend an optician for a test. Visual stress can significantly impair reading ability, or make reading very tiring.
While adults may recognise symptoms, children may not be aware of them, as this is how they always experience reading. Once diagnosed, devices such as coloured overlays can make reading easier and more comfortable. I found reading uncomfortable and tiring. I found out I had visual stress at the age of 31.

Timeline

7 Aug 2023 Petition opened for signatures
7 Feb 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 65
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 7 Aug 2023
Closed 7 Feb 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.